Indian Act

The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law established in 1876 that governs the affairs of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It outlines the legal status of First Nations, defining who is recognized as a "band" member and how Indigenous communities operate. The Act covers various aspects such as land use, governance, and rights. While its intent was to manage Indigenous peoples, it has been criticized for undermining their autonomy and culture. Over the years, there have been calls for reform or replacement to better support Indigenous self-determination and rights within Canada.